(08 Sep 2015, 11:46 am)GX03 SVC wrote I've travelled on the Explorer many times between Metro Centre and Newcastle/Heworth and I never get challenged, I always check with the guard at the rear of the train before boarding. He was at the other end with the ramp and the train was due to depart anyway. I've noticed that the writing on the screenshot is on all pages, so that means that all Network One tickets are valid upto Metro Centre/Blaydon (ones that are valid on rail).
There's also the chance that "Newcastle to Sunderland" is used for clarity, as everytime I ask Northern Customer Services if x ticket is valid to Metro Centre, they say yes. If it wasn't then Network One shouldn't be showing that on the bottom of the Explorer page, even if it is carried on all pages.
In relation to it being updated in August, would that not just be the new design...?
The booklet that I saw the guard reading when he went to check was what looked like a company-issued booklet. If I haven't got a fine/full return it must be valid to Metro Centre/Blaydon...?
I agree, it shouldn't, which is where, in my opinion, much of the confusion stems from - especially if both passengers and staff are using the website as a source.
I don't believe it's used for clarity, as you suggest, because the literature for both Network One passes and Day Rovers clearly state those tickets are valid for rail services between Sunderland and Blaydon - unlike the Explorer literature.
http://www.networkonetickets.co.uk/docum...15_6pp.pdf
Maybe, the next time you purchase an Explorer, you should ask the guard for verified clarification from their source, ask for a copy, and forward it to Network Ticketing so that they can update their leaflets accordingly.
However, if the guard delves a little deeper into your query, I still strongly suspect you'll be issued with a fare.